Displaying items by tag: Grant Trager
Kick off your summer with Handbag's 'Golden Girls Vol. 3'
I saw this adorable show on the night of the recent APRIL snowstorm in Chicago and, as per usual, the Fab Four - Dorothy, Rose Blanche and Sophia - instantly warmed up my night with explosive laughter!
“Golden Girls Vol. 3” features two great episodes, the first being "Caged Miami Heat" - where all of the Golden Girls get thrown in jail for possibly killing their cook, Coco. The second episode is “Murder on the Sicilian Express,” a delightful Murder She Wrote/Golden Girls crossover episode which include the fabulous real life singing and dancing skills of Hell in a Handbag star and director David Cerda as Dorothy, Ed Jones as Rose, Ryan Oates as Sophia and Grant Trager as Blanche.
Ed Jones as Rose was especially daffy and blonde on this night and stole the show with one spot on impersonation of Betty White after another - just divine!
As with all Handbag productions, the laughs are rapid fire thanks to hilarious scripts and the talented cast members that just keeps getting better and better with every show. This team just never stops pumping out ridiculously funny productions, “Golden Girls Vol. 3” coming fresh off a fantastic run of Poseidon! The Musical” at Edge Theatre.
If you haven't been to Mary's Attic in Andersonville to see one of the “Golden Girls” productions, you are missing out on the best camp in Chicago. Hell in a Handbag is always a good bet to give more bang for your buck in the theater because every show they do is FILLED with great laughs, fun audience interaction, and a nice relaxing intermission to change your Depends, or grab more drinks and delicious food from the bartenders and staff at Mary’s Attic and Hamburger Mary's.
Highly Recommended for good, clean, naughty fun!
“Golden Girls Vol. 3” is being performed at Mary’s Attic in Andersonville through August 31st. For more info on what could be the hottest ticket this summer, visit www.handbagproductions.org.
Operation Mincemeat: A Smart, Scrappy Musical That Shines When Its Cast Takes the Wheel
01 October 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIn the 2019 film Yesterday, a struggling musician wakes up in a world where The Beatles never existed. A similar…
SANCTUARY STORIES - A JOURNALISM THEATER PROJECT October 9-18 at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture
30 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThrough music, documentary video, sound, photos and live actors, “SANCTUARY STORIES: A JOURNALISM THEATER PROJECT” captures in words and images…
Red Theater presents the world premiere of CHURCH HURT October 24 - November 21, 2026
30 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreRed Theater is thrilled to announce the cast and production team of the world premiere of Church Hurt by Brynne…
Ballets Jazz Montréal Makes Chicago debut at THE AUDITORIUM Saturday, November 7th
30 September 2026 in Upcoming DanceThe Auditorium (Chicago's landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) continues its 2026-27 Dance Season titled North American…
A Red Orchid Theatre Opens 34th Season with Chicago Premiere of HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING October 29 – December 6, 2026
29 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreA Red Orchid Theatre is pleased open its 34th Season, exploring the theme of "world on fire," with the Chicago…
Lookingglass announces new leadership team
29 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzLookingglass Theatre Company today announced a new leadership structure that brings together four longtime members of its acclaimed ensemble and…
Steppenwolf’s Topdog/Underdog: When History Deals the Cards
28 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewSusan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog, the Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, is the kind of play that changes depending on when—and how many times—you…
MAMMA MIA! and HADESTOWN Return to Chicago in Spring 2027
28 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is excited to announce two fan-favorite shows are returning to our stages this year: MAMMA MIA! and…
'I’m Going to Marry You Tobey Maguire,' Full of Laughs, Ends With a Fizzle
25 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewHere’s a play that should be really good, based on its reputation alone. Written by Chicago comedy writer Samantha Hurley,…
ALL THINGS EQUAL: THE LIFE AND TRIALS OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG 2027 NATIONAL TOUR - tickets now on sale
25 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreInnovation Arts & Entertainment, along with Broadway In Chicago, are thrilled to announce single tickets for ALL THINGS EQUAL: THE…
League of Chicago Theatres announces "It's Theatre Season" and celebrates the industry's impact
24 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzThe League of Chicago Theatres announces the return of It's Theatre Season, a campaign inviting Chicagoans and visitors to discover…
Steppenwolf Theatre Continues 51st Season with World Premiere of ADIRONDACK CHAIR CIRCLE October 22 — December 6
24 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to launch its 51st Season with the world premiere of…
Lookingglass’ Kowalski Ignites a Battle of Wits Between Two Icons
24 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewLookingglass Theatre’s production of Kowalski offers a gripping, fictionalized glimpse into the first meeting between two theater greats: Tennessee Williams…
Writers Theatre continues its 35th Anniversary Season with explosive, high-stakes boxing drama The Royale October 22 – November 29
23 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewWriters Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, continues…
Detroit ’67: A Basement Becomes a City on the Brink
23 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewDetroit was burning in the summer of 1967, inside one basement, life was still going on. That contrast is at…
Now Boarding: Bonnie’s Last Flight, a Sky‑High Comedy with Real Heart
23 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewRivendell Theatre Ensemble closes its milestone 30th season with Bonnie’s Last Flight, a sly, sky‑high comedy set during a flight…
Teatro Vista Productions announces season
22 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreTeatro Vista Productions, the Midwest's only Latine-led Equity theatre company, led by Executive Director Lorena Diaz and Artistic Director Wendy…
Step Right Up and Ride the Cyclone (The Musical) at Metropolis Arlington Heights
22 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIf anyone has ever told you to buckle up and enjoy the ride, they were talking about life—and even if…
Funny ‘Prayer Circle’ Is Loaded With Laughs
22 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewErik Gernand is resident playwright at Redtwist Theatre, and his Prayer Circle is absolutely laugh-out-loud funny. The strength of this…
Steppenwolf Presents GRACEFUL WARRIOR: AN EVENING WITH GARY SINISE - Tuesday, November 24, 2026
22 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to present Graceful Warrior: An Evening with Gary Sinise on Tuesday, November…
Acclaimed Mexodus musical makes Chicago premiere November 7-21 at Studebaker Theater
22 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreStudebaker Theater, P3 Productions and Audible, in collaboration with Teatro Vista Productions, present the Chicago premiere of the groundbreaking, award-winning new hip-hop musical Mexodus, written and performed…
Arts in the Dark Parade moves to Columbus Drive due to dynamic growth, Oct. 24
21 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzLUMA8 and the City of Chicago return with the 12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, a family-friendly celebration…
American Blues Theater hosts its annual costumed fundraiser HALLOWEEN BOO BASH October 25th
21 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzAmerican Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents Halloween Boo Bash, its annual costumed fundraiser benefiting artists' wages…
Definition's How We Got On: A Mixtape for the Stage
21 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewWhat happens when three young people discover hip-hop and realize they might have something to say? Idris Goodwin’s How We…
Open Space Arts Presents BEFORE WE ARE HISTORY October 23 – November 8
21 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreOpen Space Arts presents BEFORE WE ARE HISTORY, a three-week theatrical exploration of LGBTQ+ theater created during and in response to…
Northlight Delivers a Headline-Making, Hilarious Front Page
20 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewNorthlight Theatre opened its new venue with Jeffrey Hatcher’s smart, rejuvenated adaptation of The Front Page. Commissioned by Artistic Director…
Chicago Shakes' Play On!: With a Syncopated Harlem Beat
20 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThere are some productions you watch, and then there are productions that make your heart swoon and your toe tap.…
Overshadowed's Flame of Fire Finds Humanity, Strength, and Forgiveness in a Tragic Chapter of Missionary History
19 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewOvershadowed Productions’ Flame of Fire revisits one of the most polarizing true stories in mid‑century missionary history, and the result…
The Attic at Goodman Theatre Redefines Memoir Through Breathtaking Physical Storytelling
19 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewAt intermission, I sent Ken, Buzz Center Stage’s managing editor, a text: “So thankful I made it!! It’s intermission, and…
Class is back in session with Victory Gardens’ World Premiere of The Humanities
19 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewCoincidentally (or not), Victory Gardens’ new play about a controversial campus speaker opens just days after the one-year anniversary of…
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Operation Mincemeat: A Smart, Scrappy Musical That Shines When Its Cast Takes the Wheel
Written by Maddie BurroughsIn the 2019 film Yesterday, a struggling musician wakes up in a world where The Beatles never existed. A similar theatrical case study could be done with every musical that might not exist without Hamilton; Operation Mincemeat should be first… -
MAMMA MIA! and HADESTOWN Return to Chicago in Spring 2027
Written by Buzz Center StageBroadway In Chicago is excited to announce two fan-favorite shows are returning to our stages this year: MAMMA MIA! and HADESTOWN. Current subscribers can add these to their season package when renewing by clicking here or calling (312) 977-1717. Group… -
SANCTUARY STORIES - A JOURNALISM THEATER PROJECT October 9-18 at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture
Written by Buzz Center StageThrough music, documentary video, sound, photos and live actors, “SANCTUARY STORIES: A JOURNALISM THEATER PROJECT” captures in words and images the lives and communities deeply connected with — and affected by — immigration in Chicago. This “living documentary” is a…
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Red Theater presents the world premiere of CHURCH HURT October 24 - November 21, 2026
Written by Buzz Center StageRed Theater is thrilled to announce the cast and production team of the world premiere of Church Hurt by Brynne Frauenhoffer and directed by Jessica Love, running October 24 - November 21, 2026 at The Edge Off Broadway in Chicago’s…
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